2014 El Dorado Sluice Box A wild blend of vermentino, picpoul, grenache blanc, marsanne and roussanne grown at 2,800 feet of elevation, this gets its cloudy golden hue from extended skin contact. It’s resolutely savory, with flavors of carrot, turmeric and salt that last with a spicy and commanding persistence, yet there’s a refreshing florality at the end, an orange blossom scent that rises up out of the clay-like tannins. Hunter Hammett of Jardinière in San Francisco suggested matching its intense personality with oily fish, like mackerel. (467 cases)

77 Cult Americans

Thanks to dynamic booze shippers Brooks & Amos and Pacetti Imports, some of the most innovative and exciting new-wave wines from the US are now available in Australia. Look for The Scholium Project, Channing Daughters, Donkey & Goat and Dirty & Rowdy on hipster wine lists near you. Gourmet Traveler, Australia Hot 100 2014